SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON hailed Wayne Rooney's growing international stature but admitted that Joe Cole has much to learn despite showing signs of his own promise in England's 3-2 defeat by Denmark.

Rooney and Cole were both on target for England at Old Trafford during an exciting opening burst only for Denmark to equalise on both occasions through Martin Jorgensen.

Rooney also struck the post before Jon Dahl Tomasson capitalised on a handling error by substitute keeper Paul Robinson to inflict England's first defeat in nine months with seven minutes left.

While Eriksson was left concerned about his side's defensive susceptibility, the Everton striker was clearly England's most potent force in the absence of Michael Owen, with his third goal in six starts.

The England coach declared: "Wayne Rooney's not only a big talent, he's already a fantastic player.

"Of course, he can be even better and learn even more but he is already very mature for his age as a footballer. He was clever out there and his first touch was incredible.

"He scored a very nice goal, set up another and hit the post. You can't ask much more than that from a boy of 18. I'm very happy that we have a striker and a talent like that in England."

While Eriksson was also impressed with much of Cole's attacking adventure, he was still concerned at the midfielder's tendency to over-elaborate and lose possession in key areas.

Eriksson added: "There were a lot of good qualities out there and Joe Cole was one of them. He is another great talent, he is becoming better and better and his quality is incredible.

"But he has still to learn things about the game, the same as Glen Johnson.

"I don't think you can expect young players to know everything on the pitch yet. These friendlies are good for those players as you learn more quickly."